Friday

Darwin F Dalisay of Cainta, Rizal PHILIPPINES

“Travelling is the best way to leave your stressful life, relax while discovering new things”

Once again we are featuring a traveller from the beautiful country of the Philippines. Yes, we are happy to have Darwin as an addition to our growing list of featured travellers. Yes, Dharzie as friends call him, prefers exploring more of his country first before going outside of it. I totally agree because I know how hard the government and the Filipino people work to make the Philippines a top tourist destination. They all are striving hard to prove that there's a lot more to see and do in their country. Fun in the Philippines is more than you can expect and see in other Asian countries.

Flag of the Philippines

Dharzie has been travelling the four corners of his country for a long time and he continue counting the places he wants to explore. He admit that he is also considering an out-of-the-country travels like the Southeast Asian countries, Egypt, and the other 6 of the World's New7Wonders in the future.

Continue reading Dharzie's travel story. In a moment, you will have a virtual tour of his favourite places in the Philippines. This is just the start of his "Travelling the World with my Cup."

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I was young and always full of excitement in high school and university when I had the most exciting escapade with my classmates. I have done a trip passing 5 towns which I considered a big challenge as it was my first time doing that kind of discovering new things. It was all worth it. We reached a beach so gorgeous with white sand, blue water facing the famous Carabao and Boracay Islands. We did not stop there as we continue exploring the highest hill in town which was few kilometres walk. Everything around us was all green and the air was fresh as expected. At my young age, my mind wandered and felt my passion in appreciating our God-given beauty of nature.

Potipot Island in Candelaria Zambales, PHILIPPINES

My work in a Call Centre station gives me a chance to go on an out-of-town trip for team building and other project of the organization. Potipot Island is a great experience. A tiny island located in Candelaria, Zambales which is a good place to explore being close to the shore at 20 minutes boat ride. Walking around the island is possible. Enjoy the green grass all around, see the corals, hermit crabs, starfish and a big plus is the beautiful sunset in the afternoon. The place is just amazing.

Kanidugan Festival in Odiongan Romblon PHILIPPINES

Very recently, I went home to my hometown in Romblon, a Philippine island in the MIMAROPA region. My province is composed of three big islands, namely: Romblon Island, Tablas Island and Sibuyan Island. Imagine a beautiful place surrounded by these islands that also includes smaller ones, namely: Banton, Maestro de Campo, Simara, Carabao, Isabel and Carlota. Did any of you my friends out there been to Romblon? Come visit us in the month of April to witness the Kanidugan Festival, a celebration of our coconut industry in Odiongan, Romblon. The festive mood is becoming popular to local tourists due to its fun and exciting street dancing. Enjoy the festival and be a part of the fun in Romblon. It's colourful and you surely do not want to miss it, do you?

Mt Pundaquit ~San Antonio Zambales PHILIPPINES

I love mountaineering. That is one of the reasons why I became a member of a group of mountaineers called Batang Hamog. I have had several mountain climbing experiences all over the Philippines. I have attended the nationwide Freedom Climb 2012. Everything was perfectly planned and organized, from shirt to wear, tents to stay, itineraries to follow, food to eat and activities to enjoy. What a great way to meet new friends and fellow mountaineers who were there with the same passion celebrating the annual event.

Mt Manabu ~ Nasugbu Batangas PHILIPPINES

You will see photos of several mountains that I had the chance to explore. Each of which had been a part of my passion in mountaineering in the Philippines, namely; Mount Batulao and Mount Manabu in Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Mount Cristobal in Dolores in province of Quezon and Mount Pundaquit in San Antonio in the province of Zambales.

It was just the beginning of my mountaineering spree. In the succeeding months, I started conquering Mount Samat, Mount Pico de Loro, Mount Tarak, and Mount Manalmon. I did a solo travel to Oriental Mindoro and re-discovered a simple life. It was the way of life I always wanted to be; peace and quiet with the real people.

My trips were not limited to the mountains alone. My eagerness to see some historical churches brought me to the province of Bulacan. I was commuting and walking for about 32 hours moving from one town to another. It's worth the effort as I succeeded in visiting many towns that I have seen for the first time. A province full of history; museums, shrines and old churches can be found here including the famous Barasoain Church.

The year 2013 will be a big start as a solo traveller. It will be entirely different this time. I am not taking the land transport to my destinations. I am flying and scours the Visayas and Mindanao with full of energy and excitement. I will be discovering everything about the local people, their culture, food and their everyday life. I will make sure this will be the cheapest trips ever. I will bring home memories and my digital camera will be my witness in all my journey. When I return, I will share with you, my friends all the good things that my adventure will bring about, things that will benefit each and everyone of my fellow travellers. Stay tuned!

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Are you a traveller who would like to share your travel story with our blog and our readers? Then, I'd love to hear from you!

They all have been travelling for many years and I can guarantee that all of them have travel tips that all of us can learn and benefit from. I have to thank all other fellow travellers who have responded to my invite. I will definitely publish your stories as soon as I have completed the details.